Photography by Melanie Mullan
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Four generations of women on their go-to health essentials for spring
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IMAGE staffer Sophie Power is one of four generations of women prioritising staying healthy and well all year long. She shares the spring medicine cabinet essentials for the females in her family – across all ages.
“With every changing season, the change in weather inevitably wreaks havoc on our immune systems,” Sophie says. “I always find that means taking additional steps to refocus on our health basics and to prepare our family for what lies ahead, whatever age and stage we are in.”
As we make our way through the Irish spring, which is serving up some of the most changeable weather imaginable, our immune systems are being well and truly tested. With plenty of colds and flus going around, staving off illness is priority number one for us all, whether that be the kiddies in play school, the mums with busy work schedules, or the grandparents conscious of staying fit and healthy.
To make sure we’ve got all bases covered in our springtime medicine cabinets across allergy and hayfever, skin and bites, first aid, supplementation and pain relief, we’ve enlisted the sage advice of Caoimhe McAuley, director of pharmacy at Boots.
For the little ones…
Allergy and hayfever
Spring brings a surge in pollen and hayfever symptoms as a result. Be sure to keep a liquid antihistamine like cetirizine (2+ years) to help manage those symptoms. For children of all ages, saline nasal sprays and drops are excellent for congestion and blocked noses.
Skin and bites
Now that the days are longer and the weather is a bit warmer, you can expect the kids to be outside playing with their friends. It’s always handy to keep an antihistamine cream and/or steroid cream on standby to help with bites or contact irritation. Calamine lotion can also be great for soothing an itchy bite.
Though it may not be summer yet, keep your children protected with a sunscreen rated against UVA and UVB to keep their skin safe while they’re out and about. UV rays are still present even on a cloudy day.
First Aid
With the kids being more outdoorsy in the springtime, someone is bound to come running home with a cut, a bruise, or having just been smacked in the shin with a hurley. Stay prepared with adequate plasters, antiseptic wipes, and of course, a trusty ice pack.
Sophie’s pick:
“Between hayfever and run-of-the-mill colds every spring, we can’t leave the house without these trusty Boots tissues. I have them in every coat pocket, schoolbag and even the car so that no matter where we are, we are poised and ready to act when my daughter Molly needs it!”
For a busy mum in her 30s/40s…
Allergy and hayfever
The kids aren’t the only ones who will be exposed to the rising pollen levels. Keep yourself prepared with anti-histamine tablets, nasal steroid sprays, or antihistamine eye drops for those itchy eyes. Always chat to your pharmacist to see what products would suit you best.
Supplementation
The days are getting brighter, but still not bright enough. The HSE advises that we all take vitamin D supplements as we are simply not getting enough sun. Being a busy mum is also just exhausting; your sleep schedule could be all over the place. Magnesium supplements can contribute to a reduction in tiredness and fatigue.
Skin
As a woman entering her 30s and 40s, you want to safeguard your skin from harmful UV rays and keep your skin looking fresh. As we come into the spring, UV exposure is only going to increase, so I would recommend a daily SPF moisturiser and an SPF lip balm.
Sophie’s pick:
“These Boots vitamins and zinc effervescent tablets are a godsend for waking me up every morning – they feel like an extra layer of protection against the illnesses that come with every change of season. Maybe it’s the satisfying fizz as the tablet hits the water, but I always feel brighter and more alert for having had one to start my day.”
For a woman in her 50s/60s…
Supplements
As we enter spring and you enter a key part of your life as a woman, taking calcium and vitamin D supplements is critical for preserving and protecting your bone density.
Skin
At this age, your skin can become that bit thinner and more UV sensitive, a SPF 50 facial cream is an essential in protecting your skin. Keep a good emollient or moisturiser handy; the weather gets so temperamental this time of year and harsh weather means dry skin.
Pain relief
With the weather improving, you may find yourself getting out and about more, agreeing to that hike, doing that sea swim, sticking to the new year, new gym membership. That extra movement, though incredibly valuable, could mean some aches and pains. It can be helpful to have some Paracetamol or an NSAID cream in the house to help soothe yourself (where appropriate). Heat pads and patches are always a plus as well to help soothe those achy muscles.
Allergy
Pollen once again takes no prisoners and can affect people of all ages. A daily non-drowsy antihistamine like loratadine, fexofenadine, or cetirizine will help keep those sniffles at bay. Nasal steroid sprays can be incredibly effective in managing allergic rhinitis. Decongestants like pseudoephedrine can be helpful to unblock a nose but should be used with caution and avoided in people with high blood pressure. A saline rinse is excellent at washing out your sinuses. Always chat to your pharmacist about what would work best for you.
Laura’s pick:
“These Boots Wellthy Daily Hydration Rest & Restore sachets are the perfect nighttime supplement to take as part of my wind-down routine. It allows me a moment of calm and feels like a nervous system reset.”
For a woman in her 70s/80s…
Allergy
Even for women in their 70s and 80s, hay fever can be a presiding nuisance of the springtime. Your choice of antihistamine is quite important. I would avoid the drowsy kinds like chlorphenamine, as this can increase the risk of a fall. Non-drowsy antihistamines like cetirizine, loratadine, or fexofenadine are preferred. You can keep your sinuses clear with a saline nasal rinse, which is gentle and safe. Always discuss with your pharmacist what would work best for you.
Supplementation
Calcium and Vitamin D are absolutely essential for keeping your bones as strong as possible and preventing fractures in women in their 70s and 80s.
Skin
Whilst in your 70s and 80s, this is prime time for going out and socialising with family and friends outdoors. Movement and having the chats are essential for your wellbeing and health as you enter this stage of your life. While you’re out and about, keep your skin protected with an SPF.
Medication
As you get older, however, it is incredibly important that you keep a keen eye on your health. The risk of cardiovascular disease increases post- menopause, so stay on top of your blood pressure with a blood pressure monitor. If you’re taking any medications, always keep an up-to-date list of them handy in your medicine cabinet.
Mary’s pick:
“This Boots Allergy Eye Mist is a lifesaver when it comes to helping my hayfever symptoms – as beautiful as these spring blooms are, my eyes are always the first to feel the impact and this spray really comforts and soothes any irritated or itchy eyes.”
Photography by Melanie Mullan
Boots – With You For Life. Through every season, every step, every small thing that matters most. Visit your local Boots pharmacy or visit boots.ie for all your family’s health and pharmacy needs to give you that spring in your step this season.
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